Coffee Talk

Over the past couple of years, my agency has seen an increasing amount of our job applicants just copying and pasting answers written by AI. From technical questions, to “Why do you want to work with us?” and it’s really clogging up our hiring workflow with unqualified and frankly annoying applicants. Is your agency facing this, and do you have any suggestions for combating it?My first idea is to require they submit a video or voice note answering one of the questions, but I know that could drive away more private or shy applicants. TIA!

We’re already wrapping up the first quarter of 2025, time flies in the world of social! As you look back, what’s one key insight or takeaway from your social media strategy so far this year?Maybe it’s a trend that took off (or flopped), a campaign that exceeded expectations, or a lesson learned the hard way. Share your reflections in the thread, and keep the discussion going by engaging with others!

Hi everyone! I noticed that in August I had great reach across the board (I manage 6 different social media pages) on Instagram and last month I took a big dip and it’s bleeding into this month as well. I run pages that are more medical like eye doctors, urgent care, etc. I was wondering if people have deactivated due to the political climate in the U.S. since September, but wondering if its just me...

Hi team - how are we presenting social media guidelines to employees?  

Hi there, This question is for those who work in franchising. I work for a franchise called Wild Birds Unlimited and we are currently using Facebook and Instagram to connect with our customers. My question is whether our Franchise Development team should have their own Facebook and Insatgram accounts?How does your company handle this? Do you post franchise development content on your customer facing socials or does your Franchise Development team have their own separate social profiles?Thanks so much,Crystal DeelDigital Marketing Manager

Did anyone else notice a change to the layout to Sprout’s Smart Inbox? This sidebar used to be optional but now I can’t figure out how to make it go away 😬 Sincerely, someone who resists change at all costs.  

I recently joined The Arb (The Arboretum Mentorship Program - for those not familiar) and just finished my first match call! I matched with Jane and it was a great call. Working for an agency, supporting clients in various sectors, you sometimes forget how inspiring it can be having a 1:1 chat with someone outside your little circle. I look forward to keeping in touch with Jane & having more connects with her. I think we can really help each other!  If you’ve been on the fence about signing up and jumping in (or have no idea what I’m even going on about), just do it. Be influenced. It’s okay. No one here will judge! The sign up process is so quick and easy. Orbit AI sets up the calls and walks you through talking points and ice breakers. All you have to do is show up (on time--Jane, again so sorry for my lateness!) and have a great chat with a new colleague! 

Hey everyone, I’m new to the community and frankly wondering why I haven’t been here before! Excited to join and connect with many of you.  My name is Camilla and I’m a social media lead at a large engineering and consulting company based in Scotland. I am a team of 1 to a 35,000+ organisation. I sit within the marketing and communications team and get support from the wider team, but I would LOVE a larger social  team (I know I am not alone with that wish). I’ve been in my current role for almost 2.5 years, before that I worked in Higher Education for a long time in digital and social media roles.  Would specifically love to connect with anyone in the energy/utilities industry and also gain insight on how fellow lean social teams manage to optimise their time! Speak soon,Camilla 😊 

Hi everyone! I'm Julia, the Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator at Consigli Construction Co., Inc., a construction manager operating throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.I'm always looking to connect with fellow social media and communications professionals in the industry—whether you're at a construction company (like me), an architecture firm, or another related field. Feel free to reach out—I'd love to connect and share insights! 

We just wrapped Beyond the Benchmarks: How the City of Miami Beach Made Waves (and Went Viral)—and we want to keep the creativity flowing.What’s one innovative tactic or creative approach you’ve used to boost engagement or build community on social this year?Maybe it was a new format, a clever comment strategy, a trend you made your own, or a surprising way you brought your audience closer.Let’s get inspired by each other. Who knows—your idea might be what sparks someone else’s next big win.

Hi everyone! I’m Brelynn and I’m the Communications Manager for Book Trust, a national early literacy nonprofit.I would love to connect with other nonprofit social media/communications professionals. If that’s you, say hello!

Hi Communities! I would love to expand my professional network by connecting with you on LinkedIn. If you have a profile, drop a link below. Would love to connect and grab a virtual coffee!

For the last two days, I’ve been surprised we haven’t really been seeing any tags in our social inbox on Sprout related to nonprofits we serve. Usually other nonprofits tag us regularly (like 100-300 times a week). But this week, nothing. I thought “wow this is so nice, I’m having such a chill week.”Turns out I completely forgot that I had turned on sorting for one tag only and because those posts weren’t tagged, I wasn’t seeing them 🫠Anyone else do this? Anyway… happy Tuesday!

Hi community,I’m going to be at NRA show this upcoming Monday, May 19th from 1-5pm in Booth #8544 in Chicago! Stop by and say hi!  

Hi all * happy hump day! 🐪 * I am currently at a crossroads of the usage of hashtags on corporate channels. What are your takes on it? Mine? Corporate channels do not need them as it may look like spam and hinder reach. Though there’s articles around the interwebs that say different. Open to hear more from you all!